In celebration of World Bicycle Day on June 3, bike enthusiasts and advocates got together at the iconic SM Mall of Asia globe to highlight the bicycle as a simple, affordable, reliable, and sustainable means of transportation.

These included SM Engineering Design and Development president Hans Sy Jr. (third from right), Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines Ambassador Luc Veron (third from left), Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor (second from left), and members of the Firefly Brigade led by trustee Jack Yabut (second from right) and chairperson Roselle Leah Rivera (left).

The event also served as a send-off for Salubungan sa SM: Sama-Sama sa Bike Safety, a 1,300-kilometer bike packing tour across Luzon with safety clinics at select SM malls.

The SM Mall of Asia was recently cited as Most Bike-Friendly Commercial Establishment in the 2020 Mobility Awards, together with SM City Marikina.

World Bicycle Day is a global holiday meant to be enjoyed by everyone. The bicycle is a symbol of human progress and advancement. It “promotes tolerance, mutual understanding and respect and [facilitates] social inclusion and a culture of peace.”

The bicycle is also seen as a “symbol of sustainable transport and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate.”

World Bicycle Day is also associated with promoting a healthy lifestyle for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.